ILLUMINATOR FOR PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

• US 20100191172A1
• Filed: 11/19/2009
• Published: 07/29/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dusa Pharmaceuticals (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited)
• Original Assignee: Dusa Pharmaceuticals (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited)
• Inventors: Lundahl, Scott, Carroll, Ronald, Kozodoy, Rebecca, Leppelmeier, Elton
• Granted Patent: US 8,030,836 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00057 Light
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0642 Irradiating part of the body at a certain distance
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0655 Tubes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0616 Skin treatment other than tanning
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0617 Hair treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/062 Photodynamic therapy, i.e. excitation of an agent

Abstract

An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the vent of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity. A light sensor monitors output from the U-shaped tubes to provide a signal for adjusting the output from the tubes.

Claims

1. A method of photodynamically diagnosing or treating a contoured surface, comprising:

topically applying 5-aminolevulinic acid to the contoured surface; and

irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light from a plurality of light sources generally conforming to the contoured surface.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the 5-aminolevulinic acid is in a carrier.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

applying 5-aminolevulinic acid in successive applications.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the contoured surface is irradiated with light substantially entirely within the blue region.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said irradiating comprises approximately 1000 seconds of light having a nominal peak wavelength of 417±

5 nanometers and a nominal bandwidth of 30 nanometers.